Treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block

ABSTRACT

Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject&#39;s spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/344,959, filed 7 Nov. 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB), and more particularly to treatment of pain using ENCB for a direct block of neural activity.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is long-lasting pain that is difficult to treat. One common treatment for chronic pain is the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to deliver a mild electrical stimulation to nerves along the spinal column. Ideally, the electrical stimulation of SCS will modify nerve activity and, thereby, stop chronic pain. However, SCS relies on an indirect inactivation of pain, leading to its relative ineffectiveness. In fact, SCS is only about 50% effective in treating chronic pain, leaving many patients suffering from chronic pain untreated.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB), and more particularly to treatment of pain using ENCB for a direct block of neural activity. In some instances, the ENCB can be delivered without producing damaging electrochemical reaction products. For example, the ENCB can be delivered by one or more electrical contacts that includes (e.g., is made from, coated by, or the like) a high-charge capacity material capable of delivering a charge required to achieve the desired block of the nerve without the occurrence of irreversible electrochemical reactions. As an example, the high charge capacity material can include platinum black, iridium oxide, titanium nitride, tantalum, carbon, poly(ethylenedioxythiophene), of the like.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for reducing pain (e.g., chronic pain) or other unwanted sensation in a subject. The method includes: placing at least one electrode contact of a p in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to the region of the subject's spinal cord through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity in the spinal cord with the ENCB to reduce the pain or unwanted sensation in the subject. The electrode contact can include the high-charge capacity material.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a spinal cord stimulation system. The spinal cord stimulation system can include a stimulating portion and a blocking portion. The stimulating portion can include a stimulating electrode comprising at least one stimulating electrode contact configured to be placed in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; and a stimulating waveform generator coupled to the stimulating electrode and configured to generate an electrical stimulation waveform to be delivered by the at least one stimulating electrode contact. The blocking portion can include a blocking electrode comprising at least one blocking electrode contact (which can include the high-charge capacity material) configured to be placed in electrical communication with another region of the subject's spinal cord in a position rostral to the at least one stimulating electrode contact; and a blocking waveform generator coupled to the blocking electrode and configured to generate an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) waveform to be delivered by the at least one blocking contact. In some examples, the stimulating generator and the blocking generator can be within a single device. In other examples, the stimulating generator and the blocking generator can be within different (unique and/or separate) devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example blocking system that can deliver electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to the spinal cord and/or a peripheral nerve without causing electrochemical damage.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example spinal cord stimulation system that can include the blocking system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method for delivering ENCB to the spinal cord and/or a peripheral nerve without causing electrochemical damage.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method for adjusting a degree of ENCB applied to the spinal cord and/or a peripheral nerve.

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method for blocking paresthesia associated with spinal cord stimulation.

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method for reducing pain with minimal paresthesia.

FIG. 7 is a cyclic voltammogram of several platinum black electrode contacts with different Q values.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting one example of a system for using a DC ENCB to block nerve signal transmission without damaging the nerve.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative DC block trial showing that the twitches elicited by proximal stimulation are blocked during the blocking phase of a trapezoidal waveform.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the viability of sciatic nerve conduction following DC ENCB.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example of a multi-phase DC ENCB waveform.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an experimental setup and an ENCB using a DC plus HFAC no-onset blocking waveform.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of the DC delivery with a pre-charge pulse, a blocking phase of opposite polarity and a final recharge phase.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the effect of electric nerve conduction block waveforms on evoked gastrocnemius muscle force, illustrating that different amplitudes of DC block will block different percentages of the HFAC onset response.

FIGS. 15 and 16 each illustrate the use of different slopes and multiple transitions in the DC waveform to avoid activating a muscle as the current level is varied.

FIG. 17 illustrates a DC block that is too short to block the entire HFAC onset response.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration showing non-limiting examples of different configurations for a spinal cord stimulation system that delivers ENCB.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

In the context of the present disclosure, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.

As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Additionally, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The sequence of operations (or acts/steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “pain” generally refers to an unpleasant sensation, which can be associated with tissue damage due to illness or injury. Pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing of the illness or injury can be referred to as “chronic pain”.

As used herein, the terms “nerve block”, “nerve conduction block”, “direct block”, and “block” can be used interchangeably when referring to the failure of impulse transmission at some point along a nerve. In some instances, nerve conduction can be blocked by extinguishing an action potential at some point as it travels along the nerve. In other instances, nerve conduction can be blocked by increasing the activation threshold of a target nerve and/or decreasing the conduction velocity of a nerve, which can lead to an incomplete or substantial block of nerve conduction.

As used herein, nerve conduction is “blocked” when transmission of action potentials through a nerve is extinguished completely (e.g., 100% extinguished).

As used herein, nerve conduction is “substantially blocked” when an “incomplete nerve block” or “substantial nerve block” occurs. The terms “incomplete block” and “substantial block” can refer to a partial block, where less than 100% (e.g., less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, or less than about 50%) of the action potentials traveling through a nerve are extinguished.

As used herein, the term “electrical nerve conduction block” or “ENCB” can refer to an external electrical signal (or waveform) that can generate an electric field sufficient to directly block the conduction in a nerve. The ENCB can include a direct current (DC) waveform (balanced charge biphasic, substantially balanced-charge biphasic, or monophasic) and/or a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) waveform.

As used herein, the term “DC waveform” can refer to a waveform that can include a current pulse of either polarity (e.g., either cathodic or anodic). In some instances, the DC can be applied as the first phase of a biphasic waveform. The second phase of the biphasic waveform can either reverse 100% of the total charge delivered by the first phase (as a charge-balanced biphasic waveform) or reverse less than 100% of the total charge delivered by the first phase, thereby reducing the production of damaging reaction products that can cause damage to the nerve and/or the electrodes used to deliver the DC. In other instances, the DC can be applied as a monophasic waveform.

As used herein, the term “high frequency” with reference to alternating current (e.g. HFAC) can refer to frequencies above approximately one kiloHertz (kHz), such as about 5 kHz to about 50 kHz. HFAC can also be referred to as kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC).

As used herein, the term “electrical communication” can refer to the ability of an electric field to be transferred to a nerve (or population of nerves) and have a neuromodulatory effect (e.g. blocking neural signal transmission).

As used herein, an “electrical signal” (e.g., either voltage controlled or current controlled) can be applied to a nerve (or population of nerves) so long as signal transmission (or conduction of action potentials) is blocked and the neural tissue is not permanently damaged.

As used herein, the term “signal transmission” when associated with a nerve can refer to the conduction of action potentials within the nerve.

As used herein, the term “spinal cord stimulation (SCS)” can refer to a pain management technique in which electrical stimulation is used to control chronic pain. Accordingly, a SCS system includes a stimulator device to deliver a stimulating electrical signal to the spinal cord to control the chronic pain. Additionally or alternatively, the SCS system can also include a blocking device to deliver a blocking electrical signal (including the ENCB) to the spinal cord and/or to peripheral nerve associated with the spinal cord.

In some examples, the blocking device can include an electrode with one or more contacts. The one or more contacts can be made of a high charge capacity material that provides the conversion of current flow via electrons in a metal (wire/lead) to ionic means (in an electrolyte, such as interstitial fluid). In some instances, the electrode can aid in shaping the electric field generated by the contact(s). As an example, the electrode can be implantable and/or positioned on a skin surface of a patient.

As used herein, the term “high charge capacity material” can refer to a material that allows an electrode contact to deliver a charge necessary to block conduction in at least a portion of a nerve without damaging the nerve.

As used herein, the term “Q-value” can refer to a value of the total amount of charge that can be delivered through an electrode contact before causing irreversible electrochemical reactions, which can cause the formation of damaging reaction products. For example, the high charge capacity material can have a large Q-value, which enables a large charge to be delivered through the electrode contact before causing irreversible electrochemical reactions.

As used herein, the term “damaging reaction products” can refer to reactions that can damage the nerve, another part of the body in proximity to the electrode contact, and/or the electrode contact. For example, a damaging reaction product can be due to oxygen evolution or hydrogen evolution. As another example, a damaging reaction product can be due to dissolution of the material of an electrode contact. As used herein, an ENCB can be considered “safe” when the block occurs without producing damaging reaction products.

As used herein, the term “electrode/electrolyte interface” can refer to a double layer interface where a potential difference is established between the electrode and the electrolyte (e.g., an area of the patient's body, such as interstitial fluid).

As used herein, the term “geometric surface area” of an electrode contact can refer to a two-dimensional surface area of the electrode contact, such as a smooth surface on one side of the electrode contact as calculated by the length times the width of the two-dimensional outer surface of the electrode contact.

As used herein, the terms “effective surface area” and “true surface area” of an electrode contact can refer to the surface area that can be inferred from the area within the curve of a cyclic voltammogram (“CV”) of the electrode contact.

As used herein, the terms “generator” and “waveform generator” can be used interchangeably to refer to a device that can generate an electric waveform (e.g., charge balanced biphasic DC, substantially charge balanced biphasic DC, monophasic DC, HFAC, or the like) that can be provided to an electrode contact to provide an ENCB. The waveform generator can be, for example, implantable within a patient's body and/or external to the patient's body.

As used herein, the term “nervous system” refers to a network of nerve cells and neural tissue that transmit electrical impulses (also referred to as action potentials) between parts of a patient's body. The nervous system can include the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The peripheral nervous system includes motor nerves, sensory nerves, and autonomic nerves, as well as interneurons. The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord. The terms “nerve” and “neural tissue” can be used interchangeably herein to refer to tissue of the peripheral nervous system or the central nervous system unless specifically described as referring to one, while excluding the other.

As used herein, the terms “patient” and “subject” can be used interchangeably and refer to any warm-blooded organism suffering from a neurological disorder. Example warm-blooded organisms can include, but are not limited to, a human being, a pig, a rat, a mouse, a dog, a cat, a goat, a sheep, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a rabbit, a cow, etc.

II. Overview

The present disclosure generally relates to electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). The ENCB can be applied to the spinal cord and/or peripheral nerves to treat pain by directly blocking neural activity related to pain. However, ENCB has not been utilized for pain treatment in the past because the high charge delivery required for ENCB can lead to an occurrence of undesirable side effects, such as the generation of dangerous electrochemical reaction products. The high charge capacity electrode contacts of the present disclosure can substantially eliminate this electrochemical damage at charges used for the ENCB. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to the treatment of pain using ENCB without causing electrochemical damage to the nerve, the patient's body, or the electrode.

The ENCB can be delivered to the spinal cord (e.g., the dorsal column) or a peripheral nerve using an electrode that includes an electrode contact comprising a high-charge capacity material. Using the high charge capacity material, the electrode contacts of the present disclosure can deliver the ENCB without the onset response characteristic of HFAC waveforms and also without the electrochemical damage due to application of DC waveforms. Generally, the high-charge capacity electrode can have a Q value above about 100 μC. In other words, the high-charge capacity electrode can deliver a charge above about 100 μC without the generation of irreversible reaction products. However, in some instances, the high-charge capacity electrode can have a Q value between about 1 μC and about 100 μC. In other instances, the high-charge capacity electrode can have a Q value on the order of about 10 μC.

Using the high-charge capacity material, more charge can be delivered safely for longer periods of time compared to traditional stimulation electrodes, such as those fabricated from platinum or stainless steel. In certain instances, the high-charge capacity material can have a charge injection capacity (the charge density that safely can be delivered through the material) of about 1 to about 5 mC/cm². In comparison, polished platinum, a non-high charge capacity material, has a charge injection capacity of about 0.05 mC/cm². With an electrode contact comprising a high charge capacity material, the effective surface area of the electrode contact is increased by several orders of magnitude over the geometric surface area.

III. Systems

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a system 10 (FIG. 1) that can be used to deliver ENCB to treat chronic pain by blocking signal transmission through at least a portion of a target nerve associated with the chronic pain. For example, the target nerve can include neural tissue in a region of a subject's spinal cord and/or an associated peripheral nerve. The system 10 can apply an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to the region of the spinal cord and/or the associated peripheral nerve to block the signal transmission. Advantageously, the ENCB can be delivered at the required charge levels without causing the generation of electrochemical reaction products that cause electrochemical damage. As opposed to other types of block, like neurolysis, when the ENCB is no longer applied, normal conduction can be restored to the target nerve.

The system 10 can include a waveform generator 12 coupled to (e.g., through a wired connection or a wireless connection), and in electrical communication with, a blocking device 14 that includes one or more electrode contacts 16. The waveform generator 12 can generate an electrical waveform (also referred to as an “ENCB waveform” or simply “ENCB”) that can be used to block signal transmission through the target nerve. In some instances, the electrical waveform can be a monophasic direct current (DC) waveform, a balanced charge biphasic DC waveform, and/or a substantially balanced charged biphasic DC waveform. In other instances, the waveform can be a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) waveform.

The blocking device 14 can receive the generated electrical waveform and deliver the ENCB to the target nerve through one or more electrode contacts 16 (monopolar and/or bipolar). In some instances, the blocking device 14 can be an electrode of any configuration, configured for either internal or external delivery of the ENCB from the waveform generator 12 to a subject. For example, the waveform generator 12 can generate different waveforms to be applied at different times and/or through different electrode contacts. As an example, the waveform generator 12 can generate both a DC waveform and an HFAC waveform to be applied at different times to block an onset response associated with the HFAC waveform. As another example, the waveform generator 12 can generate a plurality of DC waveforms with different timing characteristics to be applied by different electrode contacts 16.

The blocking device 14 is able to deliver the ENCB without the formation of irreversible, damaging electrochemical reaction products at least because the one or more electrode contacts 16 can include a high charge capacity material. Generally, the high charge capacity material can be any material that can allow the electrode contact(s) 16 to deliver an electric charge required for the desired nerve conduction block without forming irreversible and damaging reaction products. For example, the water window of the high charge capacity material can be widened so that the charge required for the block can be delivered without achieving hydrogen or oxygen evolution. Non-limiting examples of high charge capacity materials include platinum black, iridium oxide, titanium nitride, tantalum, poly(ethylenedioxythiophene), carbon, and suitable combinations.

In some examples, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can be fabricated from the high charge capacity material. In other examples, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can include an electrically conductive material (e.g., platinum, stainless steel, or the like) that is coated, at least in part, by the high charge capacity material. In still other examples, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can include both electrode contacts fabricated from the high charge capacity material and electrode contacts coated, at least in part, by the high charge capacity material. In further examples, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can include both contacts that include the high charge capacity material and other contacts that do not include the high charge capacity material.

In one example, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can have a geometric surface area of at least about 1 mm². In another example, the geometric surface area of one or more electrode contacts 16 can be between about 3 mm² to about 9 mm². In some examples, each of the one or more electrode contacts 16 can have about equal geometric surface areas. In other examples, the one or more electrode contacts 16 can have different geometric surface areas.

Shown in FIG. 2 is an example spinal cord stimulation device 20 that can be used to relieve chronic pain or other unwanted sensation in a subject. The spinal cord stimulation device 20 can include a stimulating device 24 and a blocking device 14. The stimulating device 24 can include a stimulating electrode that includes at least one stimulating electrode contact. The at least one stimulating electrode contact can be placed in electrical communication with a subject's spinal cord. The blocking device 14 can include a blocking electrode comprising at least one blocking electrode contact. The at least one blocking electrode contact can be placed in electrical communication with the subject's spinal cord and/or an associated peripheral nerve. For example, the blocking electrode contact can be placed in electrical communication with another region of the subject's spinal cord. The blocking electrode contact can be placed in a position rostral to the stimulating electrode contact.

The spinal cord stimulation device can also include a blocking waveform generator 12 and a stimulating waveform generator 22. Although the waveform generators 12 and 22 are illustrated as separate in FIG. 2, the waveform generators 12 and 22 may be a single device. Additionally, although the waveform generators 12 and 22 are illustrated within the spinal cord stimulation device 20, the waveform generators 12 and 22 can be external to the spinal cord stimulation device 20.

The stimulating waveform generator 22 can be coupled to the stimulating device 28. The stimulating waveform generator 22 can be configured to generate an electrical stimulation waveform to be delivered by the at least one stimulating electrode contact. For example, the stimulation waveform can have a frequency of 10 Hz-1 kHz. The blocking waveform generator 12 can be coupled to the blocking electrode and configured to generate an ENCB waveform. The ENCB waveform can be a DC waveform (monophasic, balanced charge biphasic, or unbalanced charge biphasic) and/or a HFAC waveform (frequency greater than 5 kHz and, in some instances, less than 50 kHz). The ENCB waveform can be delivered to the blocking device 14 to be delivered by the at least one blocking electrode contact.

IV. Methods

Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods that can be used to treat chronic pain by blocking signal transmission through at least a portion of a nerve associated with the chronic pain with electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). The ENCB can be applied via a monophasic direct current (DC) waveform, a balanced charge biphasic DC waveform, and/or a substantially balanced charged biphasic DC waveform. As another example, the ENCB can include a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) waveform. Advantageously, the ENCB can be applied without causing negative side effects, such as electrochemical damage at levels of charge injection required for the ENCB.

An example of a method 30 for delivering ENCB to the spinal cord and/or a peripheral nerve without causing electrochemical damage is shown in FIG. 3. An example of a method 40 for adjusting a degree of ENCB applied to a nerve is shown in FIG. 4. An example of a method 50 for blocking paresthesia associated with spinal cord stimulation is shown in FIG. 5. A method 60 for reducing pain or other unwanted sensation with minimal paresthesia is shown in FIG. 6. The methods 30-60 can be applied, for example, using the systems as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The methods 30-60 of FIGS. 3-6, respectively, are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations. For purposes of simplicity, the methods 30-60 are shown and described as being executed serially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order as some steps could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement the methods 30-60.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example of a method 30 for delivering ENCB to a subject's spinal cord or peripheral nerve without causing electrochemical damage. At 32, one or more electrode contacts (e.g., the one or more blocking electrode contacts of the blocking device 14) can be placed in electrical communication with a region (e.g., the dorsal column) of a subject's spinal cord. At least one of the electrode contacts can include (e.g., be constructed from, coated with, or the like) a high charge capacity material. The high charge capacity material allows the electrode contacts to deliver the charge required for conduction block without forming irreversible and damaging reaction products. For example, the high charge capacity material can allow the electrode to deliver at least 100 μC before irreversible electrochemical reactions take place in the material. However, in some instances, the high-charge capacity electrode can have a Q value between about 1 μC and about 100 μC. In other instances, the high-charge capacity electrode can have a Q value on the order of about 10 μC. Non-limiting examples of high charge capacity materials include platinum black, iridium oxide, titanium nitride, tantalum, carbon, poly(ethylenedioxythiophene), and suitable combinations.

At 34, an ENCB can be applied through at least one of the contacts to the region of the subject's spinal cord without causing electrochemical damage to the region of the spinal cord (or a nerve within or near the region of the spinal cord). In other words, the high charge capacity material enables the one or more contacts to deliver the charge required to block the conduction related to pain without undergoing irreversible electrochemical reactions, and thereby damaging reaction products. At 36, neural activity (e.g., conduction of action potentials) can be blocked (e.g., within the region of the spinal cord and/or in nerves electrically near or associated with or physically near the region of the spinal cord) with the ENCB to reduce pain in the subject The ENCB is reversible, so that when transmission of the ENCB is stopped, normal signal transmission through the nerve can be restored.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example of a method 40 for adjusting a degree of ENCB applied to a nerve. At 42, an ENCB (e.g., generated by a waveform generator 12 at a first level with first parameters) can be applied (e.g., by blocking device 14) to block transmission of a pain signal (e.g., conduction of action potentials). As used herein, “pain signal” can refer to any signal associated with an unwanted sensation. At 44, an input (e.g., an input to a controller) can be received. The input can be from a user (e.g., a patient, a medical professional, or the like) or can be automated (e.g., from one or more sensors that detect one or more physiological parameters). In other words, method 40 can be operated as open loop control and/or closed loop control. At 46, the ENCB can be adjusted (e.g., one or more parameters of the ENCB) can be adjusted to block a portion of the transmission of the signal. In other words, the ENCB can be adjusted so that only a portion of action potentials are blocked from conducting, while another portion of action potentials is permitted to conduct. This conduction can reduce the pain, but permit other sensations.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a method 50 for blocking paresthesia associated with spinal cord stimulation. At 52, the spinal cord can be stimulated by a stimulating electrode. At 54, ENCB can be delivered to the spinal cord by a blocking electrode (e.g., including one or more contacts made of a high charge-capacity material) at a position rostral to the location of the stimulating electrode. At 56, paresthesia associated with the stimulation can be blocked (or reduced).

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a method 60 for reducing main with minimal paresthesia. At 62, a sub-activation stimulation can be delivered to the spinal cord with a stimulating electrode. At 64, peripheral activity can be blocked on the dorsal roots. At 66, small fibers can be blocked, while larger fibers can be blocked at a low duty cycle.

V. Examples—Electrode Construction and Waveform Design

The following examples illustrate construction of high charge capacity electrode contacts, as well as the design of various waveforms that can be delivered by the electrode contacts without causing nerve damage. The electrode contacts can deliver ENCB to any nerve (including peripheral nerves and/or central nervous system structures) by transmitting a desired electrical electric field trough the tissue to a desired neural structure. Specific waveforms are described as examples, but it will be understood that the waveform used for the ENCB in practice can include a direct current waveform (e.g., balanced charge biphasic, substantially balanced-charge biphasic, or monophasic) and/or a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) waveform.

High Charge Capacity Electrode Contacts

In this example, electrode contacts were fabricated from high charge capacity (“Hi-Q”) materials to achieve ENCB without causing electrochemical damage to the nerve. The Hi-Q materials resulted in a significant increase of the electrode contact's charge injection capacity, quantified in the Q-value, which can be defined as the amount of charge that the electrode contact is capable of delivering before irreversible electrochemical reactions take place in or due to the material. One example of a Hi-Q material used in this experiment is platinized Pt (also referred to as platinum black). The platinized Pt is shown to be able to deliver DC nerve block to a nerve without causing electrochemical damage to the nerve, even after a large number (e.g., >100) of repeated applications.

Platinized Pt electrode contacts were constructed as follows. Monopolar nerve cuff electrode contacts were manufactured using platinum foil. These electrode contacts were then platinized in chloroplatinic acid solutions to create platinum black coatings of various roughness factors from 50 to over 600. A cyclic voltammogram for different platinum black electrode contacts was generated in 0.1M H₂SO₄ (shown in FIG. 7) to determine the water window, and thereby the amount of charge that can be safely delivered, for the platinized Pt.

The amount of charge that could be safely delivered by the platinized Pt electrode contacts (the Q value) was estimated by calculating the charge associated with hydrogen adsorption from −0.25V to +0.1V vs. a standard Ag/AgCl electrode contact. Typically Q values for these platinized Pt electrode contacts ranged from 3 mC to 50 mC. In contrast, a standard Pt foil electrode contact has a Q value of 0.035 mC.

Acute experiments were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats to test the efficacy of DC nerve block with both the platinized Pt electrode contacts and the control Pt electrode contacts. Under anesthesia, the sciatic nerve and the gastrocnemius muscle on one side was dissected. Bipolar stimulating electrode contacts were placed proximally and distally on the sciatic nerve. The proximal stimulation (PS) elicited muscle twitches and allowed the quantification of motor nerve block. The distal stimulation (DS) also elicited muscle twitches, which were compared with those from PS as a measure of nerve damage under the DC monopolar electrode contact. The monopolar electrode contact was placed between the two stimulating electrode contacts as schematically illustrated in FIG. 8.

A current-controlled waveform generator (Keithley Instruments, Solon, Ohio) was used to create the DC waveform. The waveform was biphasic, including a trapezoidal blocking phase followed by a square recharge phase as depicted in the lower graph (B) of FIG. 9. The ramp up and down ensured that there was no onset firing from the DC. The DC parameters were chosen so that the total charge delivered was less than the Q value for a given electrode contact. Each cathodic (blocking) pulse was then followed by a recharge phase in which 100% of the charge was returned to the electrode contact by an anodic pulse maintained at 100 μA.

The platinized Pt electrode contacts achieved a conduction block, while maintaining the total charge below the maximum Q value for each electrode contact. FIG. 9 illustrates a trial where complete motor nerve block was obtained using the DC waveform with a peak amplitude of 0.55 mA. The muscle twitches elicited by PS were completely blocked during the plateau phase of the DC delivery, as shown in the upper graph (A) of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates the effects of cumulative dosages of DC for five of the platinized Pt electrode contacts as compared to a standard platinum electrode contact. DC was delivered as shown in FIG. 9 (lower subplot). Each cycle of DC was followed by PS and DS to produce a few twitches (not shown in FIG. 10). The PS/DS ratio is a measure of acute nerve damage. If the nerve is conducting normally through the region under the block electrode contact, the ratio should be near one. The platinum electrode contact demonstrated nerve damage in less than one minute after delivery of less than 50 mC and the nerve did not recover in the following 30 minutes. The platinized Pt electrode contacts do not show signs of significant neural damage for the duration of each experiment, up to a maximum of 350 mC of cumulative charge delivery. Similar results were obtained in repeated experiments using other platinized Pt electrode contacts with variable Q values.

Multi-Phase DC Waveform ENCB

In one example, the ENCB waveform includes a multi-phase DC. As shown in FIG. 11, the multi-phase DC can include a cathodic DC phase and a reciprocal anodic DC phase that are continuously cycled amongst four contiguous monopolar electrode contacts so that there will be a continuous neural block without neural damage. In some instances, the multi-phase DC can be charge balanced or substantially charge balanced so that stored charge was retrieved after the blocking time by inverting the current drive and charge-balancing the Helmholtz Double Layer (HDL).

It will be understood that the cathodic DC need not be applied first. As such, a multi-phase DC can be applied to the neural tissue including applying an anodic DC current and then a reciprocal cathodic DC current. One phase of the DC is configured to produce a complete, substantially complete, or even partial nerve block and the other phase is configured (e.g. by reversing the current) to reduce or balance a charge returned to the therapy delivery device and may or may not alter nerve conduction. An exemplary multi-phase DC includes relatively slow current ramps that fail to produce an onset response in the neural tissue.

For example, with reference to FIG. 11, illustrated are multi-phase DC waveforms having a substantially trapezoidal delivered by four electrode contacts (“1,” “2,” “3,” and “4”) of a therapy delivery device. Each of the cathodic and anodic DC phases begins and ends with a ramp, which prevents or substantially prevents any axonal firing. At the plateau of the cathodic DC phase, for example, there is complete neural block. As discussed above, the cathodic DC phase can cause neural block and, following this phase, the current is reversed (anodic DC phase) to balance the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The anodic recharge time can be about equal to, or moderately longer than the cathodic block time. Moreover, the cycles of cathodic block and anodic recharge can be applied to the neural tissue sequentially for prolonged periods of time without any neural damage. Again, the sequence of the DC phases can be reversed and the anodic DC phase may cause the neural block and the cathodic DC phase may balance the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device.

In some instances, the cathodic DC phase is conducted as follows. A DC having a first DC amplitude can be applied to the neural tissue. The first DC is then increased, over a first period of time, to a second DC amplitude. The DC having the first amplitude is insufficient to produce a partial or complete neural block. Next, the second DC amplitude is substantially maintained over a second period of time that is sufficient to produce a complete neural block. After the second period of time, the second DC amplitude is decreased to a third DC amplitude that is equal to, or about equal to, the first DC amplitude.

In some examples, the total net charge delivered by any of the electrode contacts can be equal to, or about equal to zero. Advantageously, delivery of a net zero charge is considerably safer to neural tissue. However, due to external factors that lead to the entire charge not being delivered by the first phase, the waveforms need not be entirely charge balanced, and instead need only be substantially charge balanced.

Application of DC and HFAC

In another example, the ENCB can include a combined delivery of DC and HFAC waveforms to reduce or eliminate an “onset response” (due to the HFAC) without causing electrochemical damage (due to the DC). HFAC has been demonstrated to provide a safe, localized, reversible, electrical neural conduction block. HFAC, however, produces an onset response of short but intense burst of firing at the start of HFAC. Use of short durations of DC to block the neural conduction during this HFAC onset phase can eliminate the onset problem, but DC can produce neural block, it can cause damage to neural tissue within a short period of time. Using a Hi-Q DC electrode contact can reduce or eliminate the damage caused by the DC due to the formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products.

Using a combination of a Hi-Q DC electrode contact and a HFAC electrode contact, successful no-onset block was demonstrated, as shown in FIGS. 12 A-C. FIG. 12A shows an example of an experimental setup that can be used to apply DC and HFAC to a nerve. Application of the HFAC alone leads to an onset response, as shown in FIG. 12C. However, when a DC is applied before the HFAC, as shown in FIG. 12B, the block is achieved without the onset response. In experiments with this method, more than fifty successive block sessions without degrading nerve conduction was achieved. DC block (at 2.4 mA) was repeatedly applied over the course of approximately two hours for a cumulative DC delivery of 1500 seconds with no degradation in nerve conduction. FIG. 12B (compared to FIG. 12C) shows the successful elimination of the onset response using the combination of HFAC and Hi-Q DC nerve block.

One example use of a combined HFAC and Hi-Q DC nerve block allows the DC to be delivered for a period of time sufficient to block the entire onset response of the HFAC. This typically lasts 1 to 10 seconds, and thus the DC should be delivered for that entire period. A method of further extending the total plateau time over which the DC can be safely delivered is to use a “pre-charge” pulse, as shown in FIG. 13. The pre-charge pulse comprises delivering a DC wave of opposite polarity from desired block effect for a length of time up to the maximum charge capacity of the electrode contact. The DC polarity is then reversed to produce the block effect. However, the block can now be delivered longer (e.g., twice as long) because the electrode contact has been “pre-charged” to an opposite polarity. At the end of the prolonged block phase, the polarity is again reversed back to the same polarity as the pre-charge phase, and the total charge is reduced by delivery of this final phase. In most cases, the total net charge of this waveform will be zero, although beneficial effects can be obtained even if the total net charge is not completely balanced.

Varying the level of DC can partially or fully block the onset response from the HFAC, as shown in FIGS. 14 A-B. FIG. 14A is a graph illustrating that application of HFAC alone results in a large onset response before muscle activity is suppressed. FIG. 14B is graph illustrating that a ramped DC waveform reduces the twitches evoked by PS and minimized the onset response caused by the HFAC waveform. The bar below the “HFAC” indicates when it is turned on. The bar under “DC” indicates when the DC is ramped from zero down to the blocking level and then back to zero again (zero DC is not shown). This can be useful to assess the nerve health by verifying a small response even in the midst of significant nerve block. The depth of the DC block can be assessed through this method.

Multi-Slope transitions may help avoid onset response, especially with discrete changes in DC-current-amplitude over time (slope) in a real-world device. This is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, which are results from a rat's sciatic nerve. In these examples, the DC begins with a low slope to prevent firing of the nerve at low amplitudes. The slope can then be increased to reach the blocking amplitude quicker. Once DC block amplitude has been achieved, block is maintained for the duration required to block the HFAC onset response. The HFAC is turned on once the DC has reached blocking plateau. The HFAC is turned on at the amplitude necessary to block. Once the onset response has completed, the DC is reduced, initially rapidly and then more slowly in order to prevent activation of the nerve. The DC is then slowly transitioned to the recharge phase where the total charge injection is reduced. In this example, the recharge phase is at a low amplitude and lasts for over 100 seconds. HFAC block can be maintained throughout this period and can then be continued beyond the end of the DC delivery if continued nerve block is desired. Once the total period of desired block has been completed (which could be many hours in some cases), the HFAC can be turned off and the nerve allowed to return to normal conducting condition. This process can be repeated again and again as needed to produce nerve block on command as desired to treat disease.

FIG. 17 shows that the DC is maintained throughout the period of the onset response from the HFAC in order to block the entire onset response. In this example (rat sciatic nerve), the onset response lasts about 30 seconds. The DC waveform (blue trace) initially blocks the onset response, but when the DC ramps back to zero, the onset response becomes apparent (at ˜50 seconds). This illustrates very long DC blocking waveforms to combine the HFAC and DC blocks to achieve a no-onset block.

VI. Examples—Treatment of Chronic Pain

The electrode and waveform design described above can be used in the clinical applications of treating chronic pain using ENCB (applied to the spinal cord and/or peripheral nerves interfacing with the spinal cord). The chronic pain can be due to, for example, cancer, pancreatitis, neuroma, post-hepatic neuralgia, back pain, headache, joint replacement, surgery, injury, tissue damage, or endometriosis. Notably, the ENCB can be applied to the spinal cord and/or one or more peripheral nerves for the treatment of chronic pain by direct conduction block without producing damaging electrochemical reaction products. The ENCB can be reversible, so that when the ENCB is turned off, conduction can be restored in the stimulated nerve(s).

The ENCB can be accomplished by applying one or more waveforms (DC and/or HFAC) through one or more blocking electrode contacts of a spinal cord stimulation system. In some instances, the blocking electrode contacts can be placed beside the dorsal column of the subject's spine. In other instances, the blocking electrode contact can be placed externally on the skin surface. The ENCB can be applied without negative side effects by using blocking electrode contacts that include the high charge capacity material, as described above. In addition, in some instances, the ENCB can be combined with other types of nerve block, such as pharmacological block or thermal block (involving heating or cooling of the nerve), to facilitate the treatment of these neurological disorders.

In fact, the ENCB can be used to block any nerve conduction leading to the perception of pain as an alternative to neurolysis or chemical block. Notably, ENCB is reversible and can be used early in the treatment because if there are any side effects, they can be alleviated immediately by turning the block off. Additionally, the intensity and extent of the ENCB can be adjustable (e.g., as an open loop system or as a closed loop system).

Depending on the pain treated with the ENCB, the electrode contacts can be part of a cuff electrode, electrode contacts located near the target nerve, a paddle-style electrode, a mesh-style electrode, or the like. In some instances, the ENCB can be delivered to an autonomic nerve (e.g., the sympathetic ganglia) as an alternative to blocking sensory nerves, which can produce a side effect of a dull buzzing sensation felt due to the stimulation.

The ENCB can be accomplished through multiple methods. In some instances, charge balanced or imbalanced HFAC waveforms (voltage controlled or current controlled) can be used to produce a rapidly-induced and rapidly-reversible nerve conduction block. Typical waveform frequencies can be between 5 and 50 kHz. The waveform can be continuous or interrupted, and each pulse can have a varied shape, including square, triangular, sinusoidal, or the like.

In other instances, charge balanced DC waveforms consisting of an increase to a plateau of one polarity, which can last for a time period (e.g., 10 seconds), followed by a decrease of the current to an opposite polarity, can be used for the ENCB. The plateaus of each phase can be the same, but typically the second phase is 10-30% of the amplitude of the first phase. The total charge delivery is zero or substantially less than the charge in each phase (e.g., <10% charge imbalance). The waveform produces either a depolarizing or a hyperpolarizing nerve block during the first phase plateau. In some cases, the nerve block can extend during the second phase plateau. Increasing the current from zero to the plateau is often performed slowly over the course of a few seconds in order to eliminate the generation of action potentials in the nerves. Additionally, multiple electrode contacts can be used to maintain a constant conduction block by cycling between the different contacts to deliver the DC waveform to the nerve.

In still other instances, a DC waveform and the HFAC waveform can be combined to produce a nerve block with the desirable characteristics of each type of ENCB. The charge balanced DC can be established first and used to block the onset response from the HFAC, which typically lasts a few seconds. Once the onset response is complete, the charge balanced DC waveform can be terminated (typically after charge balancing) and block can be maintained with the HFAC waveform.

In some instances, ENCB can be used in addition to or in place of spinal cord stimulation to treat the chronic pain. For example, spinal cord stimulation can generate paresthesia, an abnormal sensation, often tingling, tickling, burning, or pricking, which is generally undesirable to the subject. As shown in illustration A of FIG. 18, ENCB can be applied (e.g., as an ENCB waveform, as illustrated) by blocking contacts to block the paresthesia by blocking activity in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord rostral to the location of the spinal cord stimulation stimulating electrode (e.g., with a 50 Hz stimulation waveform, as illustrated).

A combined ENCB can be achieved directly over the dorsal columns as shown in illustration B of FIG. 18. The outer electrode contacts can deliver the DC (e.g., CBDC) block, while the central electrode contacts can deliver HFAC (e.g., as a KHFAC waveform, as illustrated) block. The onset response of the KHFAC waveform can be blocked by temporary application of DC block.

As shown in illustration C of FIG. 18, using the Gate Theory of Pain, significantly enhanced pain relief can be gained by combining activation of large sensory fibers with block of small pain fibers. A standard spinal cord electrode can be placed over the dorsal columns and delivering activating stimulation at 50 Hz or less (in some instances, the activation can be 1 kHz or less at sub-activation threshold). The stimulation can be combined with a block of peripheral activity on the dorsal roots using ENCB (like KHFAC). As an example, by combining complete or partial conduction block with activation (˜10 Hz or less), taking advantage if the differences in fiber size conduction velocity, it is possible to generate antidromic action potentials in the small A-δ and C-fibers, providing a constant collision block in these small fibers, while only blocking the larger fibers at a relatively low duty cycle. Accordingly, the system shown in illustration C of FIG. 18 can produce a significant reduction in pain, minimal paresthesia, and a side-effect of slight numbness (due to the low duty cycle of large fiber block).

Another example configuration, shown in illustration D of FIG. 18, involves the direct block of the lateral spinothalamic tracts using ENCB (e.g., KHFAC). Such a block can produce similar results to a cordectomy procedure, without the irreversibility and risk of damage to nearby tracts. The use of ENCB also allows the extent of block in the tract to be adjusted in order to minimize any side effects. In some instances, the HFAC can be combined with CBDC to block the onset response depending on on/off cycling of the treatment. In some instances, CBDC can be used without HFAC to produce a blocking effect without onset response or other side effects.

As shown in illustration E of FIG. 18, the ENCB can be delivered to the dorsal columns by placing the electrodes subdurally. This subdural electrode placement can provide the potential for direct block of spinal cord structures without the dispersing effect of the cerebral-spinal fluid. Alternatively, as shown in illustration F of FIG. 18, ENCB can be delivered directly to deeper structures in the spinal cord where the block provides a beneficial effect.

The foregoing description and examples have been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and are not intended as being limiting. For example, ENCB can be applied to the spinal cord, brain, peripheral nerves, autonomic nerves, ganglia, or any other neural structures sensitive to applied electric fields. ENCB can be used to treat other disorders, such as complications of asthma (opening closed airways) or Parkinson's disease. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure. Further, while certain features of embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in only certain figures, such features can be incorporated into other embodiments shown in other figures while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise specified, none of the steps of the methods of the present invention are confined to any particular order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A method comprising: stimulating a spinal cord of a patient by a stimulating electrode; delivering electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to the spinal cord by a blocking electrode at a position rostral to a location of the stimulating electrode; and blocking paresthesia associated with the stimulating the spinal cord.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: placing the stimulating electrode at the location in electrical communication with the spinal cord; and placing the blocking electrode at the position rostral to the location of the stimulating electrode in electrical communication with the spinal cord.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the blocking electrode comprises a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the ENCB.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the stimulating comprises applying an activation signal with a frequency of 1 kilohertz or less by the stimulating electrode.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the ENCB and the activation signal are combined to cause a collision block in one or more nerve fibers to block the paresthesia.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the ENCB comprises a HFAC waveform with a frequency between 5 kilohertz and 50 kilohertz.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the ENCB comprises a HFAC waveform with an amplitude that is at least one of between 1 and 10 Vpp and between 1 and 10 mApp.
 14. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one of the stimulating electrode and the blocking electrode are placed subdurally within the spinal cord.
 15. A system comprising: a waveform generator configured to generate a blocking waveform; and a spinal electrode coupled to the waveform generator and configured to be positioned proximal to a patient's spine and to apply the blocking waveform to the patient's spine to generate electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB), wherein the spinal electrode comprises a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the blocking waveform.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the spinal electrode comprises at least one contact and the at least one contact comprises the high charge capacity material. 